There’s plenty to explore in and around Noosa – from swimming at heavenly beaches to paddling the Noosa Everglades.
At the same time, though, Noosa is just one of many stunning places on the Sunshine Coast.
While you’re in the area, be sure to get out and about exploring on a day trip or three.
To travel in comfort, and without harming the environment, jump behind the wheel of one of SIXT’s electric vehicles (EVs).
Here are three fabulous day trips to add to your holiday itinerary – from a mountain climb affording 360-degree views of the Sunshine Coast to a colourful country town dotted with waterfalls.
CLIMB MOUNT COOLUM
After all that lazing about on the beach, it’s time to stretch your legs. Jump in the car and head south for 30 minutes to reach Mount Coolum, just behind Marcoola Beach.
The good news is you don’t have to walk all the way. Drive to Tanah Street car park to reach the start of the walking trail, which is a 1.6-kilometre climb that takes around 45 minutes.
The less good news is that the trail is steep in some places, so be prepared to work those calves. If you make it to the summit, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular, 360-degree views of the Sunshine Coast’s unspoiled beaches and rainforest-covered hinterland. Take a picnic lunch with you.
TAKE ONE OF THE NOOSA COUNTRY DRIVES
Noosa’s hinterland is a hidden world of green valleys, pretty villages and friendly people. It’s a combination that makes for excellent day tripping.
There are three different country drives to explore. Take the Northern Loop to see the tranquil waters of Lake Cootharaba, go berry-picking at Cooloola Berries and stop for coffee at Kin Kin General Store.
Along the Southern Loop, you’ll come across the many farm gates of Doonan, the unique shops of Eumundi (which also has a famous, 45-year-old market) and the Noosa Botanic Gardens.
Then there’s the Central Loop, which travels past the Noosa Shire Museum, Pomona Distilling Company and the Butter Arts Factory in Cooroy – among many other fascinating spots.
VISIT THE COLOURFUL TOWN OF MALENY
For a laidback day trip from Noosa, involving beautiful scenery, good food and waterfalls, take the 70-minute drive southwest to Maleny. It’s high up in the Blackwall Mountains, surrounded by lush green hills and stunning panoramic views.
Get started with a fair trade coffee at Monica’s Cafe, before heading to Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, a wonderland of tropical flowers, picturesque ponds and trickling waterfalls.
Come lunchtime, you might settle in for a modern Asian feast at The Tamarind, or head to King Ludwigs for German fare. A more relaxed option is a woodfired pizza at Lane 32.
Before heading back to Noosa, swing by Maleny Dairies or Maleny Cheese (or both!) for cheese tasting, Brouhaha Brewery to sample some locally made beer, and Gardners Falls for a stroll surrounded by rainforest and maybe a dip under a waterfall.
GETTING TO NOOSA
Noosa is two hours’ drive north of Brisbane & 11 hours’ drive north of Sydney.
Does that sound like too long a drive? Fly to Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) Airport, which is just half-an-hour’s drive south of Noosa, then pick up a SIXT car rental. We’ll have you on the road in comfort and style in no time.
If you do decide to make the road trip from a capital city, you might find that our guides to driving from Brisbane to Noosa and Sydney to Brisbane come in handy.
